Date: 18 March '07

Molson Kawasaki racer, Gareth Swanepoel, has faced a tough challenge at the opening round of the Open Dutch championship in Gemert. The notorious ‘Wolfsbosch’ circuit has been touted one of the most relentless sand circuits on the planet and morning rain showers did make conditions any easier.

As the gate dropped for the first grueling 30min + 2 Lap moto, ‘Swanie’ jumped well but was ousted out in the start chicane leading into the first turn. He settled into position and rode consistent lap times to finish in a respectable 8th position without taking any risks.

A pile-up in the start of moto two had Swanepoel salvaging his KX250F from the bottom of the heap. Swanepoel had to make a quick pit stop in the mechanics area after another get-off however the South African soldiered on to complete the race without giving up.

“This track can be so demoralizing but you just have to see beyond that and think of it as good preparation for Valkenswaard. I’ve got the second round of the British champs next weekend in Landrake and then I’ll wind down the riding before the first GP in Valkenswaard,” said Swanepoel.

IMX2
1st Moto:
1 Marcus Schiffer D KTM
2 Erik Eggens NL Suzuki
3 Wyatt Avis Z-A KTM
4 Tyla Rattray Z-A KTM
5 Rob van Vijfeijken NL KTM
6 Rinus van de Ven NL KTM
7 Herjan Brakke NL Honda
8 Gareth Swanepoel Z-A Kawasaki
9 Dennis Verbruggen B Yamaha
10 George Strik NL KTM

2nd Moto:
1 Tyla Rattray Z-A KTM
2 Erik Eggens NL Suzuki
3 Joel Roelants B KTM
4 George Strik NL KTM
5 Nick Tuin NL Suzuki
6 Kenneth Gundersen
7 Jeremy Vanhorebeek
8 Rinus van de Ven NL KTM
9 Herjan Brakke NL Honda
10 Rob van Vijfeijken NL KTM
25 Gareth Swanepoel RSA Kawasaki